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Newsletter  May 2010
In This Issue
Colleges That Change Lives
Short Takes on Colleges
After the Acceptance Letter
May To-Do Lists
Quick Links
Upcoming Events

Find Us on Facebook
College That Change Lives Event is Coming to Boston

On Thursday May 27, 2010, Colleges That Change Lives (CTCL) is sponsoring a free information session and college fair. The 38 colleges participating are all featured in the book Colleges That Change Lives by Loren Pope.

The event starts at 7:00 pm and will be at the Seaport World Trade Center-Cityview Ballroom. For more information, please see the Boston CTCL Event website.

Short Takes on Colleges
  • Fordham University and Peking University are starting a master of science degree in global finance.
  • New York University is starting a professional certificate program in higher education quality assurance.
  • University of Notre Dame is starting a minor in international development studies.
  • Northeastern University is starting a master of science program in regulatory science.
  • Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has launched an interdisciplinary undergraduate major in Web science.
  • Rochester Institute of Technology is starting a bachelor's degree in political science with tracks focusing on digital democracy and bio-politics.
  • State University of New York at Potsdam is starting a bachelor of arts degree in theater education.
After the Acceptance Letter: Transitioning to College
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Now that you have sorted through the acceptance letters, weighed the pros and cons of each college, and decided where you want to go, you might think that everything is set until you move to college in August. While you should definitely take time to savor your accomplishments and to enjoy your summer, there are also some steps you should take to help you prepare for your transition to college. A little planning and preparation now can go a long way towards helping you prepare for your first semester as a college student.

Housing: The traditional dorm might seem like the obvious place to live during your first year in college. However, be certain to take some time to explore the different housing options that might be open to you (even as a freshman). These housing alternatives range from rooming with people who share your academic interests, such as floors or houses dedicated to the study of a particular language, to housing cooperatives, where the inhabitants share cooking and other household duties. Some schools like Dickinson College offer special-interest housing, with interest programs that include houses dedicated to the Romance languages and sustainable living. Within larger colleges, these housing options can give you a stronger sense of community while also enriching the academic experience. The University of Michigan's Residential College (RC) is an interdisciplinary liberal arts program within the College of Literature, Science and Arts. Students live and learn in the same physical space that also includes professors' offices, art studios, exhibit spaces and academic resources. The RC gives student the opportunity to immerse themselves in a small liberal arts college within the context of a large research university.

An increasing popular option on college campuses is substance-free housing. Some schools, including Brown University, Boston College, and Hampshire College, offer substance-free housing, which prohibits use of alcohol, drugs, and cigarettes. While some colleges ask students who elect this option to take a pledge to remain substance free, most only ask that they refrain from using substances in the dorm. To get one student's reflections on her substance-free housing experience at Boston College, check out this article at CollegeBound.com.

Orientation and Pre-Orientation: Students should plan to attend orientation where they typically meet with an advisor, register for classes and meet their future classmates.  A number of colleges offer pre-orientation programs that include off-campus community building activities to help new students get a better sense of their new community and establish ties with one another. Bucknell University offers three different types of pre-orientation events including, BuckWild, an off-campus wilderness experience where students hike on the Appalachian Trail, rock-climb, and explore caves. David, a current student at Bucknell, attended a pre-orientation gathering in his hometown that allowed him to get to know other students without the stress that sometimes comes with the transition to college. "It's always nice to be able to say 'Hi' to someone with a familiar face during the first few weeks of classes, when you don't really know many people."

We highly recommend that students take advantage of the pre-orientation trips. Many students report that the classmates they met on their pre-orientation trip remained their closest friends during their undergraduate years. Those who don't participate wish they had when they observe fellow freshmen like David who have already connected with classmates.

Counseling: Students who have regularly seen a therapist during high school or who are feeling anxious for any reason should make an appointment with the counseling center either during orientation or the first week of school. You may never need to call upon a counselor during your first semester; however, if you find yourself needing support for any reason, you will already have made a contact. The counseling center can also refer you to resources in the community if you need services beyond the scope of their offerings.

Disability Services: Students who received accommodations or services during high school for a learning issue, AD/HD or other reasons will be pleased to discover that support in colleges in generally more comprehensive than that offered in high school. Many colleges offer a range of easy-to-access technological offerings such as digital texts, speech-to-text recognition systems to assist with writing, and many other helpful tools, There are also professionals and peer tutors who can assist not only with academic subjects, but also with course selection, time management and planning. One of the biggest mistakes that students with disabilities make when arriving at college is not registering for services and accommodations. While it is possible that a student may need to access services less frequently over time, it is important to have support in place for first semester. The SALT program at University of Arizona and The Disability Resource Center at Northeastern University are two examples of strong support programs.

Another difference is that in college virtually everyone on campus has access to academic support whether they have a disability or not. There are writing centers and tutoring for everyone on campus. Therefore, students who felt stigmatized in high school for attending a learning center or other support center will find that in college getting help is the norm for most students.

More Tips:
  • What to Bring: Know what you need to bring with you to college. Some sites, like College Board and The Dormitory, have suggested items, but also check your school's website for specific information.
  • Preparing to Move In: If you are moving to a college that is far away, don't feel like you have to try and bring all of your dorm supplies, such as sheets and a comforter, with you. Some colleges offer linen delivery and rentals. You can also buy a lot of your large items at the local Target or Bed, Bath, & Beyond. Just be advised that all stores in the area will be very busy the weekend of college move-in. It is a good idea to check with your college to see if you can order online and have supplies delivered to your dorm coinciding with your arrival on campus.
  • Health/ Medical: Be certain that you get a physical and that all of your immunizations are up-to-date. Later this summer, we will feature an article dedicated to health and wellness in college.
You worked hard for the last two years of high school to find a college that is an ideal match. Now you can take a few extra steps this summer to ensure a positive transition for next fall.  Take advantage of the events and opportunities that your new college is offering between now and your arrival on campus.  Good luck!
May To-Do Lists

Freshmen through Seniors
  • Finalize summer plans such as paid or volunteer work, an enrichment course, or learning new skills. You could earn a lifeguard certification, learn to paint or improve computer skills.
Juniors
  • Write a resume of your high school extracurricular activities (both in and outside of school), as well as work, leadership and enrichment experiences. Include your academic information such as AP courses, awards, SAT scores and GPA.
  • Plan to ask two junior year academic teachers for a recommendation before the end of the school year. Choose teachers that can say the most about how you think, your enthusiasm for learning or your intellectual curiosity, and your ability to work hard. Make an appointment and share your resume and your college criteria and aspirations when making the request.
Seniors
  • Write thank-you notes to the teachers that wrote recommendations on your behalf as well as your guidance counselor, letting them know where you have decided to matriculate next fall.
  • Plan to read over the summer to keep up your critical thinking skills before college begins.
  • Prepare for orientation by reviewing the course catalog. Plan to take advantage of academic support services and register for disability services if you qualify by sending the proper documentation to the contact person on campus.
Register Now for College Planning Assistance

Freshmen and sophomores -- Register now for our full-service college planning service and receive a complimentary session this spring! You will receive helpful advice about next year's course selections and summer plans, while contracting with us at this year's professional service rates.

Please contact Joan Casey at Educational Advocates for more details.

Educational Advocates
1678 Beacon Street
Brookline, MA 02445
617-734-3700

Joan Kelleher Casey, President
[email protected]
Newsletter editorial staff:
Joan Casey
Terri Suico